Department of Biological Sciences

Waikato DNA Sequencing Facility

Sequencing Services

Each DNA template that meets the requirements for sequencing is reacted using a commercial dye terminator chemistry and a specified single primer per reaction, including several common primers the WDSF provides free of charge or using any custom primer suitable for sequencing. DNA sequences are then resolved using an ABI 3130XL fitted with 50 cm capillary arrays. Resulting trace and sequence information is then made available according to individual customer requirements.

Dye Terminator Chemistries

Sequencing reactions are performed using Applied Biosystems Big Dye v3.1.

Primers

Sequencing requires only a single primer for each reaction.  The sequencing reaction has linear reaction kinetics due to this single primer, rather than exponential PCR reaction kinetics.  Residual primers or DNA fragments which could initiate DNA replication can often cause trouble and we advise that all practicable steps are taken to ensure template and primer purity.